News

2012-08-14 12:41:57.523

Powerball Jackpot Raised to $320 Million

Due to strong sales, the Powerball jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing has been increased from an estimated $305 million to an estimated $320 million, making it the fourth-largest jackpot prize ever offered in the game. The cash option is now worth approximately $213.3 million in one payment before taxes.

“It’s always exciting to watch our jackpots grow, but we want to also remind players to play responsibly,” said May Scheve Reardon, executive director for the Missouri Lottery. “Whether the jackpot is $40 million or $320 million, it only takes one ticket to win.”

Players have until 8:59 p.m. Wednesday to purchase Powerball tickets in Missouri.

Of the 44 lotteries that offer Powerball, Missouri is ranked second in terms of Powerball jackpot winners with 26.

Two Missouri Lottery players have won a second-level Powerball prize of $1 million or more during this run, which started on June 23. An Olivett man claimed a $1 million prize from the July 7 drawing, and a $1 million prize from the Aug. 4 drawing is still unclaimed. That prize was sold at Safi Amoco, 1110 Salisbury St., in St. Louis.

For more information about Powerball and the Power Play option, go to Molottery.com.